Conservation Areas are full of adventure and are just waiting to be explored! There are so many great stories to tell about visits to these natural gems, and we have shared some of our experiences and the experiences of others with you on this page. We encourage you to browse through the stories below and then Step Into Nature with family and friends to create your own ‘story to tell’!

Impressive Waterfalls at Ontario's Conservation Areas

#1Conservation Area: Rock Glen Conservation Authority

Owned and Operated by: Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority

Where: ArkonaAccess: Rock Glen Road

More Information: www.abca.on.ca/conservationlands.php?page=rockglenRock Glen Conservation Area is home of the majestic Rock Glen Falls. This is also a world-renowned fossil viewing site and home to the Arkona Lions Museum and Information Centre which houses an impressive collection of Devonian Era fossils and aboriginal artifacts found in the local area. There are stairs, boardwalks and bridge allowing visitors to safely explore the steep sides of the glen and the 10.7-metre high waterfall just upstream of the Ausable River. Visitors and amateur archaelogists from all parts of North America have found many fossils in the exposed beds dating back 350 million years. Scientific names for these ancient treasures include crinoids, brachiopods and trilobites.

#2Conservation Area: Ball’s Falls Conservation Area and Centre for Conservation

Owned and Operated by: Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority

Where: South of VinelandAccess: From 6th Avenue (off of Victoria Avenue)

More Information:www.npca.ca/conservation-areas/balls-falls/default.htmSet within the breathtaking Twenty Valley watershed, Ball’s Falls Conservation Area offers spectacular scenery and natural beauty.Your visit will begin at the Ball’s Falls Centre for Conservation. This exciting addition to Ball’s Falls is a place where generations of people will be able to discover and learn about this area’s rich historical past. As you continue your adventure, you will discover that Ball’s Falls has been lovingly maintained to its early mid 19th century industrial hamlet atmosphere featuring the original Ball family home, an operating flour mill, a lime kiln, a church, black smith shop, carriage shed and more. Photographers and nature lovers alike will love the incredibly breathtaking view of the majestic Twenty Mile Creek as it plummets over both the upper and lower falls. The falls tumble delightfully over high cliffs and can be viewed at close proximity from above or below. The character of the falls changes dramatically with the seasons, ranging from a raging torrent in the spring to a thin veil in late summer. Wind up your visit with a hike or stroll along the Cataract Trail aside the banks of Twenty Mile Creek with easy access to the Bruce Trail.

#3Conservation Area: The Gut

Owned and Operated by: Crowe Valley Conservation Authority

Where: East of ApsleyAccess: 11km from Apsley on Concession 1 in the Lake TownshipMore Information:www.crowevalley.com/conservationgut.htmlSurrounded by dense mixed hardwood forests, the Crowe River thunders through the fractured and marbled Canadian Shield to demonstrate an impressive show of velocity. The "Gut" is a large gorge that the Crowe River flows through for about 230 meters. The fissure that forms the gorge is over 30 meters high and varies from 5 to 10 metes in width. This Conservation Area features walking trials, a parking lot, a look out area and a stairway down to the gorge. The gorge presents a breathtaking glimpse of this unique terrain. Trails have been made for key sites with picnic locations scattered throughout the 162 acres.

#4Conservation Area: Depot Lakes Conservation Area and Campground

Owned and Operated by: Quinte Conservation

Where: VeronaAccess: From Snider RoadMore Information:http://quinteconservation.ca/web/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=41&Itemid=57There are approximately 9 km of hiking trails through the Canadian Shield at Depot Lakes Conservation Area. One of the highlights along the trail is a waterfall. Hikers should be aware that the terrain is rugged and appropriate footwear is required. Out on the trail you may see deer, moose, black bears, a variety of bird species and many other small creatures.

#5Conservation Area: Spencer Gorge/Webster's Falls Conservation AreaOwned and Operated by: Hamilton Conservation AuthorityWhere: Dundas Access: FromFallsview RoadMore Information: www.conservationhamilton.ca/area-information/conservation-areas/area-information/spencer-gorge-websters-falls-conservation-areaThis significant natural area contains two beautiful waterfalls: Webster's and Tews Falls. Webster's is a magnificent tiered waterfall and Tews, which towers at 41 metres, is only a few metres shorter than Niagara Falls. Both offer spectacular vistas of the gorge. A nature trail allows access to the Dundas Peak, which provides stunning views of Dundas and Hamilton. Other pathways passing through the park include the Bruce Trail, and a side-trail to historic Crook's Hollow Conservation Area. Through every season, Spencer Gorge offers beautiful natural landscapes - from vibrant forests in summer and dazzling autumn foliage to frozen waterfalls that sparkle in winter.

#6Conservation Area: Hilton Falls Conservation AreaOwned and Operated by: Conservation HaltonWhere: 2596 Britannia Road West, BurlingtonMore Information: http://www.conservationhalton.on.ca/ShowCategory.cfm?subCatID=1084The 10-metre waterfall is spectacular in the warmer months and absolutely breathtaking when transformed by the winter cold. The viewing station at the falls lets visitors experience the beauty of the waterfall that cascades over the Niagara Escarpment and the mill ruins that surround it.